Ireland internationals Jackson, Olding begin trial for rape

02 February, 2018

The prosecution in the trial of two Ireland rugby players accused of raping the same woman has opened its case for the jury.

The woman, aged 19 at the time, who can not be named to protect her identity, was initially questioned by lead prosecution barrister Toby Hedworth QC about the events prior to her ending up in the bedroom of Jackson's south Belfast home on June 28, 2016. Mr Jackson faces a further charge of sexual assault.

Olding from Ardenlee Street, Belfast, is charged with one count of rape.

Blane McIlroy, 26, from Royal Lodge Road, Ballydollaghan, Belfast, is accused of one count of exposure.

The woman went on to claim that the rugby player attempted to "undo" her pants but she, "told him firmly I wasn't interested and went back downstairs".

The defendants have pleaded not guilty and are on bail. He too denies the charge.

Two other men have also been charged in connection with the alleged incident on June 28, 2016.

She confided in two friends and after attending a rape crisis centre in Belfast, made a decision to go to the police.

In his opening statement Mr Hedworth said the case "involves a young woman going to an after party with other females at the home of a well-known sportsman, Patrick Jackson, the first defendant".

She said the alleged rape itself was so traumatic and it obviously slipped her mind when she first went to the police, but she insisted she did not leave it out on goal.

Blane McIlroy arrives at Belfast Laganside courts accused of one count of indecent exposure relating to the case. There was nothing physically about me that said to keep this going.

He added that she did "not suggest that she attempted to fight him off" but that she described herself as "being numb throughout what happened as if she herself was not there". He is then alleged to have entered the room.

At that stage, she said Mr Jackson was on his back on the bed and she was was face to face with him.

She said she was "choking and gagging".

"My heart just sank". The complainant said that Jackson asked her did she want to "join in".

"I may be preventing it happening to someone else", she said. He said Mr Jackson was having vaginal sex with her. The only way you take the power back is when you actually do something about it'.

The alleged victim gave evidence today saying that she had already told Paddy Jacskon, 26, she didn't want to have sex with him.

Jackson and Olding deny raping her at a house party at Jackson's home in Belfast in June 2016. They set off by taxi to Ollie's nightclub at about 10.30pm where she had about three double vodkas before closing time.

Judge Patricia Smyth introduced her to the legal teams and in a small subdued voice, she said good morning.

Update 6pm: A woman who has accused two Ireland and Ulster rugby players of rape was distressed as footage of her police interview was played to a court.

He added that when the woman "was able to escape from what was being done to her" that the fourth defendant Rory Harrison appeared to give her help and support but that "his true loyalty was to his friends and what they had done".

He also said that Mr McIlroy allegedly exposed himself to the young woman intentionally.

The court heard that Olding allegedly wrote on WhatsApp: "We are all top sha*****", and: "There was a bit of spit roasting going on last night fellas".

It is alleged that 25-cap Jackson replied on the same phone app: "There was a lot of spit".

He said they did not have vaginal sex because "she asked if he had a condom and he did not".

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